MD Helicopters 500 Helicopter
23 used MD Helicopters 500 helicopters for sale · 5-seat · $425K – $2.5M · updated 1 hour ago
About the MD Helicopters 500
The McDonnell Douglas 500 (MD 500) is a light, single-engine turbine helicopter originally developed from the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse military scout helicopter. Powered by a Rolls-Royce 250 series turboshaft engine burning approximately 35 gallons per hour, the MD 500 is known for its compact size, agile handling, and distinctive egg-shaped fuselage that provides excellent visibility for the pilot.
Variable hourly costs average around $450, with annual fixed costs near $80,000, making the MD 500 one of the more economical turbine helicopters to operate. Its small footprint and nimble performance make it ideal for operations where maneuverability and access to tight landing zones are critical.
The MD 500 appeals to a diverse range of operators including law enforcement agencies, cattle ranching operations, aerial survey companies, and private owners who want a fast, responsive turbine helicopter. The NOTAR (no tail rotor) variant is particularly popular for operations near people and structures due to its reduced noise signature. With a large worldwide fleet and decades of operational history, the MD 500 benefits from strong parts support and a deep pool of experienced mechanics and pilots.
MD Helicopters 500 Specifications
Model specThe MD Helicopters 500 is a 5-seat single turbine helicopter with a cruise speed of 4–135 kt (7–250 km/h), a range of 232 nm (430 km), and a useful load of 1,550 lbs (703 kg).
23 MD Helicopters 500 For Sale
Browse all 23 listings →There are currently 23 used MD Helicopters 500 for sale, ranging from $425,000 to $2,500,000, with a median asking price of $870,000.
MD Helicopters 500 Variants
Compare MD Helicopters 500
See how the MD Helicopters 500 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
MD Helicopters 500 Price & Cost
How much does a MD Helicopters 500 cost? Used 500 prices: $425K – $2.5M, average $974K (median $870K), across 14 priced of 23 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used MD Helicopters 500
Buying a MD Helicopters 500 centres on its turbine engine(s) — time to overhaul, hot-section history and any engine maintenance program — alongside airframe hours and cycles.
What to check before buying
- Turbine engine status — hot-section and overhaul time, trend monitoring and whether the engine is on a maintenance program.
- Airframe hours & cycles — high-utilisation turboprops accumulate cycles quickly; cycles can matter more than hours.
- Equipment — cargo pod, floats/amphibian gear, de-ice and avionics all affect value.
- Corrosion & logbooks — continuous records and a corrosion inspection, especially on float or marine-operated aircraft.
- Pre-buy inspection — commission an independent pre-buy by a type-experienced shop.